Doggy Day Trip: Provincetown

Provincetown has built a reputation as one of the most dog-friendly towns in the country. During summer season, hotels can get pricey. So why not make it a day trip? If you’re planning to take your pooch, here’s a guide to getting there, along with some dog-friendly highlights you shouldn’t miss.

Editor’s Note: Provincetown is typically a SUMMERTIME destination. A number of the establishments on this list close for the winter season.

(Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

GET THERE: TWO IF BY LAND, ONE (and-a-half) IF BY SEA

The Drive

The drive from Boston takes about two hours without traffic. Once you reach The Cape, it’s Route 6 all the way out. During the summer months, particularly weekends, traffic jams can last for hours. So, if you’re driving, checking traffic conditions before you head out wouldn’t be a terrible idea.

(Photo Credit: Provincetown Fast Ferry/Facebook)

The Ride: High speed Ferry

Bay State Cruise Company

The trip from the docks of Boston takes an hour-and-a-half each way. A round-trip ticket will run you $83. The first ferry of the day docks in Provincetown at 10 a.m. and from there, the last one departs for Boston at 7:30 p.m., leaving you and your dog with a full nine-and-a-half hours of bliss. Plus, rather than worrying about a two-hour drive, you’ll be able to sit back, paws pause, and reflect on all the fun you just had.

SHOP FOR PROVISIONS

Black Dog General Store

The Black Dog logo has grown into a symbol of laid back dog friendly attitude of the Cape and Islands. Black Dog carries everything from clothes to dog toys to an entire Black Dog dinnerware collection.

GRAB LUNCH TO GO

Here’s the thing – there are plenty of great dog-friendly restaurants in Provincetown. You could sit back and relax on one of the many outdoor patios around town… or you could pull up a nice pile of sand instead. Here’s our recommendation: order takeout and head for the beach.

Three good To-Go options:

Mayflower Cafe

This quick take-out spot has been handed down through three generations of family members. The lobster roll is all the rage at the Mayflower. And maybe it’s just us, but on a windy day, the sandwich tastes even better with a few grains of sand mixed into the mayo.

Frappo Phone

Frappo succeeds in offering interesting quality food while keeping it simple. Their wrap creations range from something as simple as turkey and cheese to the slightly more exotic-sounding deviled crab and roasted lamb.

The Beaches

(Photo Credit: Provincetown Chamber Of Commerce, Inc.)

Beach Access at the end of:
Race Point Road or Province Land Road

Cape Cod National Seashore’s beaches rank among the best beaches in the world, which naturally makes them the best dog friendly beaches in the world. The National Seashore beaches allow dogs year-round on leash. There are restrictions and fees, so make sure you check out the website before going.

This hilly 5.4 mile loop winds its way past cranberry bogs, marshes, and gorgeous sandy beaches. You can pick up the trail at Race Point and Herring Cove beaches.

AN OFF-LEASH AFTERNOON ALTERNATIVE – THE DOG PARK

Pilgrim Bark ParkIntersection of Shank Painter Road & Route 6

If the sand in your bathing suit is getting to be to much or your dog needs to burn off a little off-leash energy, swing by the Pilgrim Bark Park. It’s as good a place as any to chat with friendly fellow dog owners.

RELAX AND ENJOY DINNER

After a long day running around town, you’re going to be exhausted and your pup might even be a bit fatigued.